Next on the docket is the best 2A boys teams heading into the season! The 2A Boys division has been so intriguing and close over the past few year, but this year their seems to be a clear favorite. Read about those 25 teams here.
25. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South)
Head Coach/Coaches: Doug Gorski / Chris MacTaggart
Last Year's Finish: 2nd @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Tom Jochum (So.), Luke Van Tholen (Sr.), Lucas Gallas (Sr.), Leo Brill (So.), Gus Kling (Jr.), Jonah Kling (Sr.)
New Additions: Giancarlo Pietrasanta (Fr.)
Coach Gorski's Outlook: Another great summer of training. All of the top runners have been working hard and putting in the miles this summer which should lead to another great season. Definitely a reloading year, led by Tom Jochum should be up front in most races. We will need to develop a tight 2-7 pack over the course of the season. The team goal is to advance through the State Regional & Sectional meets, and make an appearance at the state Meet AS A TEAM for the 6th year in a row.
24. Sycamore
Head Coach/Coaches: Michael Lambdin / David Liszka and Jordan Wilkerson
Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 2A Woodstock Sectional
Key Returners: Corey Goff (Sr.), Logan Jones (Jr.), Phoenix Calabrese (Sr.), Devin Karda (Sr.), Kaiden Von Schnase (Sr.), Bruno Wilkerson (Sr.), Josh Miller (So.), Luke Miller (So.), Noah Murcia (So.)
New Additions: Aidan McAdams (Fr.)
Coach Lambdin's Outlook: The past two years we have been a fringe team. Going into sectionals, we felt we could advance to State with a good performance, but came up short both times. This years' squad seems comparable to the teams of those two seasons. It would be nice to break through and get back to the State meet.
23. Belvidere North
Head Coach/Coaches: Ken Husser / Eryk Yunk and Alec Beutel
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ 2A Woodstock Sectional
Key Returners: Jesse Kramer (Sr.), Zach Rediger (Jr.), Lukas Hoemke (Jr.), Brandon Molina (Jr.), Isaac Erwin (Jr.), Angelo Parrinello (Jr.)
New Additions: Judah Binger (Fr.), Martin Hernandez (Fr.), Henrik Piske (Fr.)
Coach Husser's Outlook: We have had one of our best summers in several years. I think several of our runners had excellent track seasons and have built confidence that has carried over to Cross Country. We are still a rather young team, we have only one senior with Jesse Kramer and he had a very good night at Detweiler at Dark. We have a group of juniors who have developed, but they need to finish in a very tight pack to be competitive at meets. Judah Binger may develop into our number two runner by the end of the season, but we have to see how he recovers from his knee surgery. Isaac Erwin may be a dark horse for us, he split a high 1:58 on our 4 x 800 relay team, but we have to see how that develops - (he is a great athlete, but I think needs to develop the confidence that he can run the longer distances).
22. Mundelein (Carmel)
Head Coach: Jim Halford
Last Year's Finish: 13th @ 2A Woodstock Sectional
Key Returners: Cole Bonham (Sr.), Evan Hursthouse (So.), Joey Lodowski (Jr.), Kyle Paras (Sr.), Quinn Emmons (So.), John Krietsch (Sr.), Charlie Cowart (Sr.), Marcus Monroe (Jr.)
Coach Halford's Outlook: We can have one of our best teams ever with Evan Hursthouse, one of the top sophs in the state, a potential 15:00 runner. Cole Bonham is a two time state qualifier, also a potential 15:00-15 runner. Cole has been injured with a foot injury so we need to get him back. Kyle Paras is another runner coming back from injury who ran a 2:02 indoors, but had to miss most of the outdoor season.
Quinn Emmons is our most improved runner and has had a great summer of training. He has the potential to run 15:45-16:15 as a soph. Joey Lodowsky is another 16:00 runner rounding out our top five. If we can get Cole and Kyle healthy we can qualify as team. So we are targeting mid-October for these two to be ready to go.
21. Marion
Head Coach: Scott Gill
Last Year's Finish: 1st @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Raphael Greer (So.), Gabriel Greer (So.), Tai Doan (Jr.), Evan Dailey (Sr.), Joseph Mings (Jr.), Damien Russell (So.)
New Additions: Jack Tate (Sr.), Wyatt Kremer (Fr.)
Coach Gill's Outlook: My top five have had consistent running over the summer and ready for some big improvements. Raphy and Gabby Greer have shown that they are ready to go under 15 minutes on a good course. Our team goal is to get back to state and improve enough to be a top team.
20. Taylorville
Head Coach: Steve Walters
Last Year's Finish: 17th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Liam Bettis (So.), Logan Halligan (So.), Brody Harker (Sr.), Tyler Corpin (Jr.), Alex Davis (Jr.), Ross Brown (Jr.), David Schafer (Jr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Tornados qualified for the IHSA State Meet last year and while they lost a massive runner in leader Owen Morgan, this squad returns enough talent to potentially take a trip down state again. Liam Bettis looks to take the reign of this team as a now sophomore. He ran 15:24 last season as a freshman but, after running 4:28 in the 1600m during track he looks to be ready to potentially challenge 15:00 this fall. Logan Halligan is another sophomore that will be expected to help lead this team. He ran 16:15 last year as a freshman and will be looking to run mid 15:00s this season. Brody Harker is a senior that had a massive track season. He ran 4:40 in the 1600m this spring and will be looking to break 16:00 this cross country season. Tyler Corpin and Alex Davis will be the keys for this team. This group will need those two to get as close as they can to 16:00 in order for this team to move up the rankings.
19. Highland
Head Coach: Joe Shannon
Last Year's Finish: 13th @ 2A Jacksonville Sectional
Key Returners: Christian Knobloch (Sr.), Avery Brock (Sr.), Donnie Miller (Jr.), Adin Roach (Jr.), Adam Gillison (Jr.), Walker Nehrt (So.), Sam Huelskamp (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Bulldogs havent qualified for the state meet since 2021. This is year 3 with Coach Joe Shannon in charge. Could this be the first time he leads a team down state? Christian Knobloch returns as the top runner from last years team. He will be a potential all-stater this year. Avery Brock is a strong 2nd runner. Adin Roach hada great track season where he ran 4:43 for 1600m. Him and Donnie Miller will be a great 3rd and 4th runners for this team.
18. Mascoutah
Head Coach: Darren Latham
Last Year's Finish: 20th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Leo Cozzi (Sr.), Greg Drain (Sr.), Lucas Jensen (Jr.), Kaine Climaco (Jr.), Logan Zurbrugg (Jr.), Jacob Chung (Sr.), Zachary Barshay (Sr.), Henry Koehler (Jr.)
Carson's Outlook: This group qualified last year for the state meet after an absence in 2022. This group has its top runner from last year back in Leo Cozzi who ran great this track season as he ran 4:29 in the 1600m and 9:45 in the 3200m. Greg Drain and Lucas Jansen both will be under 16:00 this year and be great 2nd and 3rd runners.
17. Morris
Head Coach/Coaches: Joe Blumberg / Nick Murphy and Jen Sheegog
Last Year's Finish: 22nd @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Cuyler Swanson (So.), Everett Swanson (So.), Nikita Hovious (Jr.), Brodie Peterson (Jr.), Jonathan Zarbock (Jr.), Chase McConnell (Jr.), Parker Fleetwood (Jr.)
New Additions: Diego Lugo (Fr.), Owen Noon (Jr.), Joseph Emmerich (Fr.)
Coach Blumberg's Outlook: Cuyler Swanson can run in the mid to low 14s. For us to be a top 10 team, Everett Swanson, Nikita Hovious, and Peterson need to close the gap on Cuyler (we think they can run in the low 15s). But it always comes down to the fifth, doesn’t it? Coach Murphy has been working with a group of guys that will scrape and claw to close the gap and attempt to get our 1-5 split under 120 seconds. If we can stay healthy, we can make a significant jump at Detweiller in November. But we are either going to win or learn. We are still young and every single one of our top ten will be back next season.
16. Mt. Zion
Head Coach: Kelly Fox
Last Year's Finish: 15th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Daniel Grauer (Sr.), Mark Mavis (Jr.), Aidan Mulgrew (Jr.), Caj Reed (Sr.), Nate Hahn (Jr.), Corin Etchison (So.)
New Additions: Jude Toft (Sr.), Ashford Brent (Fr.)
Unexpected Losses: Lyncoln Koester (Sr.)
Coach Fox's Outlook: Adding Jude Toft from Lincoln who started attending Mt. Zion in Aug of last year but wasn't IHSA approved. He's had an incredible summer and wants to go to the next level. Dan Grauer is back and has taken the reigns leading this team. A freshman that can make a difference is Ashford Brent. Keeping Mark Mavis healthy will be key to a successful season this year and I've seen definite improvements in Nate Hahn
15. Normal University
Head Coach: Lester Hampton
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Sean Kaeb (Jr.), Connor Hartman (Sr.), Jacob Bauchmoyer (So.), Spencer Boesdorfer (Jr.), Jackson Albers (Jr.), Brady Kim (Sr.), Aaden Richards (So.), Mason Dunn (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Pioneers have consistently found a way to be revelant in whatever classification that they are in. They have won 5 trophies at the 2A level since 2007 and even qualified for the 3A state meet in 2018. This year has the chance to be another great team for this school if Lester Hampton pulls the right strings in terms of development. Sean Kaeb will lead this team after a track season where he ran 9:35 for 3200m. Connor Hartman is another sub 16:00 returner and will be a great 2nd runner. Jacob Bauchmayer is knocking on the door of 16:00 after last cross country season. This group will need their 4th and 5th runners to get down as close as they can to 16:00 if they want to be a top 10 team in the state.
14. Geneseo
Head Coach/Coaches: Todd Ehlert / Jeff Brown, Don Fredericks, Tessie Fredericks
Last Year's Finish: 18th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Dylan Gehl (Sr.), Christian Haney (Sr.), Max Johnson (Sr.), Rylan Lambert (Sr.), Aiden Bries (Jr.), Graysen Carlson (Jr.), Kaden Elmer (Jr.), Jaxson Sottos (Jr.), Jack Kriess (So.), Micah Johnson (So.)
Coach Ehlert's Outlook: Bringing back 7 of the top 8 and 9 of the top 10 from last year is exciting. All of the returning top ten guys have been running all summer. They have a positive attitude and are wanting to build off of last years success. Sam Mosbarger graduating is a tough loss. Incredible leader for us last year. The guys learned a lot from what he accomplished and believe they can do the same thing he did. This is a veteran team. Six of the top seven returning guys are Juniors and Seniors and they all get along great. They are all excited about this year. If things progress like they have the last few years, something special could happen. If we can stay away from injuries and the guys stay focused, it will be a special year.
13. Washington
Head Coach: Kathryn Petravick / Troy Walcott
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Fisher Rinkenberger (Sr.), Ben Gorsage (So.), Charlie Borlin (Sr.), Ethan Kopinski (Sr.), Aiden Crull (So.), Jacob Hall (Sr.), Seth Larsen (Jr.), Owen Spiezio (Jr.)
Coach Petravick's Outlook: The boys have been showing up pretty consistently, putting the miles in. We have kept things easy but Detweiller at Dark was a fun (and hopeful) preview to the season. We keep things pretty easy over the summer so they stay healthy during the season!
12. Bethalto (Civic Memorial)
Head Coach/Coaches: Jake Peal / Malynn Hannaford
Last Year's Finish: 14th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Max Weber (Jr.), Landon Kearbey (Jr.), Jacob Cranford (Jr.), Joshua Cranford (Jr.), Tullio Zampieri (Jr.), Logan Kearbey (So.), Glenn Collins (So.), Drey Ballard (Sr.)
New Additions: Parker Walters (Fr.), Ty Books (Fr.)
Coach Peal's Outlook: We have been hit hard by graduating 3 of our Top 9 guys from last year, however we are bringing back 6 of 9, with none being seniors so we have a window of opportunity to be really good the next two years as we grow and develop together. We may get off to a slow start learning how to race together in early September but by October this team will have found its stride. This group of boys has gotten very close this summer and know that their commitment to make themselves and their teammates better is what will lead to our success this fall. We had a great track season, a consistent summer and look forward to making the most of our opportunities of racing this fall.
11. Lake Villa (Lakes)
Head Coach/Coaches: Travis Shepherd / Christine Zucker and Dan Jazo
Last Year's Finish: 16th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Brady Mock (Sr.), Matthew Powley (Sr.), Blake Salbilla (Sr.), Jackson Summy (Sr.), Cooper Summy (So.), Aiden Hauca (So.), Reese Mock (So.), Lawson Caruth (So.), Rheese Rieb (Sr.)
Coach Shepherd's Outlook: We have a veteran group led by Seniors: Jackson Summy, Blake Salbilla, Brady Mock, and Matthew Powley. Those guys continue to set the tone while young sophomores: Cooper Summy, Lawson Caruth, Reese Mock, and Aiden Hoauca learn the ropes. Our mix of veterans with young talent is the perfect blend of present and future. The veterans are ready to step into the leadership role and steer the ship. They are looking to take things to the next level and make their mark. I'm excited to see the sophomores put things together and make an impact in the second half of the season. This group also likes to compete and won't be content with just sitting back and letting the veterans do the heavy lifting. It's exciting that multiple sophomore will be able to make valuable contributions at critical points in the season. Last year was arguably our best boys team ever. With the quality of runners and the depth of talent we bring back, the 2024 team is poised to rewrite school history.
10. Dixon
Head Coach: SImon Thorpe
Last Year's Finish: 19th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Aaron Conderman (Sr.), Averick Wiseman (So.), Dean Geiger (So.), Keegan Shirley (Jr.), Westin Conatser (Jr.), Hayden Fulton (Sr.), Noah Terviel (Jr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Dukes qualified for the last meet last year for the first time under coach Simon Thorpe. They are looking to build off that performance this season. They are led by Aaron Conderman who is a returning 2A All-Stater from last season. He will be near the front of most races this season. Averick Wiseman and Dean Geiger both had great track seasons and look to be low 15:00 runners this year as sophomores. If they can get 2 more under 16:00 then this team will be in talks for a trophy.
9. Chicago (St. Ignatius)
Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Korabik / Heraldo Morrison, David Cooke, Tony Sacco, and Aaron Harris
Last Year's Finish: 6th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Hugh Lynch (Sr.), Manny Alvarez (Sr.), Nick Lopez (Sr.), Brendan Houlihan (So.), Ethan Petrillo (Jr.), Zach Tan (Jr.), Charlie Archambault (Sr.)
New Additions: Connor Birckett (Fr)
Coach Korabik's Outlook: Saint Ignatius should have a team that can rival the other top 2A teams in Illinois this year. We’ve got ambitious goals this season and are putting in a great summer of work leading into the season. The team has a lot of talent spread across each class, so we anticipate having major contributions coming from the seniors, juniors, sophomores, and potentially even freshmen at the varsity level. I anticipate having a team that is far stronger than last year’s 6th place finish.
8. Mahomet-Seymour
Head Coach/Coaches: Andrew Walmer
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ 2A Jacksonville Sectional
Key Returners: Auggie Gaudio (Jr.), Henry McMurry (Jr.), Lukas Nykaza (Sr.), Kaleb Kasper (Sr.), Zach Wilcoski (Sr.), Corban McMinn (Jr.), Tate Bode (So.)
New Additions: Adam Smigelski (Fr.), Liam Burwell (Fr.), Ethan Ramirez (Sr.)
Coach Walmer's Outlook: The team has been steadily building the past couple years to be in a position to make it to state and to be competitive at state. We are now in a position where there is a solid base of older runners on the team with higher level competitive experience that the younger guys can look up to. The team is freshmen-heavy, but all the guys already get along and work well together. They are excited for the season to start.
7. Chicago (Latin)
Head Coach/Coaches: Dan Daly / Jim Spivey, Clayton Mendez, Rachel Dadamio
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 2A Trinity Sectional
Key Returners: Ben Gibson (Sr.), Danny Goodman (Sr.), Jack Lyons (Sr.), Miles Daly (Sr.), Myles Levine (Sr.), Jack Ramsey (Jr.)
New Additions: Micah Weiss (Fr.), Nico Rastatter (Fr.)
Coach Daly's Outlook: Win Conference, Regionals, Sectionals and be a top team at state. Boys team is looking to rebound after a down end of the season for them last year
They are motivated, having fun, working hard and supporting each other.
6. Lisle (Benet Academy)
Head Coach: Kevin Renicker
Last Year's Finish: 7th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Finn Richards (Sr.), Aiden Hulett (Sr.), Jeffrey Lange (Sr.), John Pogue (Jr.), William Schaeffer (Jr.), Robert Johnson (Jr.)
New Additions: Griffin Schneid (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Redwings only a few months ago looked as if this would be a rebuilding year for this group. After a great track season, this group looks to be on par with last year's squad. Finn Richards will lead this group and he tries to get an individual state championship in November. He will be one of the best runners in the state this year regardless of classification. Aiden Hulett had a great 2023 season, this year he should be under 15:00 and be one of the best 2nd runners in the state. Griffin Schneid ran 4:36 over the track season and ran 1:57 in the 800m. You can expect him to be under 16:00 this season along with Jeffrey Lange. The key for this group will be getting John Pogue under that barrier. This team can contend for a trophy if they do the right things throughout the year.
5. Chatham-Glenwood
Head Coach/Coaches: Mike Garber / Lindsay Cook and Grant Kaiser
Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 2A Jacksonville Sectional
Key Returners: Van Schneider (Jr.), Carter Simmons (Sr.), Will Patzia (Sr.), Brady Moser (Jr.), Mason Daley (Sr.), Logan Reible (Sr.), Sam Snider (So.), Gabe Iwanicki (Jr.), Edward Wilson (Sr.)
New Additions: Adam Galvan (Fr.), Ari Anderson (Fr.)
Coach Garber's Outlook: I think this boys team will fly under the radar in pre-season and early in season. We have been trying to refind an identity we've had for years and I think this crew found it. They are unified and push each other to find the next level. Van Schneider will lead with a very tight pack following behind. This team will surprise people this season.
4. Aurora (Marmion Academy)
Head Coach/Coaches: Andrew Lifka / Christian Surtz, Kelly Bennett, Ryan Lifka
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: John Daffenberg (Sr.), Matthew Sullivan (Sr.), Michael Whitacre (Jr.), Joseph Dorando (Jr.), Jonah Sartain (Jr.), Lucas Galindo (Jr.), Lochlan Finnegan (Jr.), Guillermo Ponce Jr. (So.), Brandon Jurado (So.), Vincent Dorando (Sr.), Thomas Chung (So.)
New Additions: Sam Rowe (Jr.)
Coach Lifka's Outlook: Despite graduating many runners from last year’s squad, we return a core six, with the seventh spot largely up for grabs, who believe they can improve upon last year’s 8th place team state finish and add to the accolades started by last year’s team of Cadets, which included Chicago Catholic League, Regional, and Sectional titles. Matthew Sullivan has been the rock of leadership leading the charge for this new group. He is a great example of a senior leader, a four-year program runner, and model of faith, leadership, and character for his teammates. Matthew has naturally filled any leadership void that was left by last year’s graduating class and has readied the 2024 Cadets for another historic season for the program.
3. Maple Park (Kaneland)
Head Coach/Coaches: Chad Clarey / Clayton Brundige, Matthew Richtman
Last Year's Finish: 4th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Evan Nosek (Sr.), Liam Lentz (Sr.), Zachary Murdock (Sr.), Jack Polloway (Sr.), Lucas Fiedler (Sr.), Johnny Neville (Sr.) Evan Whildin (Jr.), Nathan Kowalczyk (So.), Sahel Torres (So.), Joey Schuch (So.), Nolan Reutimann (So.)
New Additions: Carson Kaiser (Fr.), Gianni Middona (Fr.), Drew Gritzner (Fr.)
Coach Clarey's Outlook: We have veteran leadership throughout our senior class. We have some young runners with great potential (including Joey Schuch, who was our 7th runner a year ago, and had a strong freshman track season - 4:38/2:01). Every boy on our somewhat smaller roster is running to be a contributor, both this summer and fall. Evan Nosek (3A all stater in the 3200), Liam Lentz, Zachary Murdock, and the rest of our seniors have been consistently bringing the effort in the summer. Evan Whildin is coming on strong, and is hungry for his opportunity to show what he is capable of in 2A. We love the energy, look to continue our veteran growth, and help our younger runners learn to progress in realistic ways. We will focus on the positives, keep it light, and take what comes. It's a blessing to have this group that gets along so well, wants to work hard, and improve on what they have already built.
2. Morton
Head Coach/Coaches: Joe Zeller / Tristan Sturhahn and Kat Kearns
Last Year's Finish: 5th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Christian Harris (Sr.), Boston Beyer (Sr.), Phil Canopy (Sr.), Keyston Beyer (So.), Noah Harris (So.), Maxwell Carter (So.), Paul Yontz (Sr.)
New Additions: Abe Martin (Fr.), Isaiah Hartter (Fr.), Ben Roth (Fr.)
Coach Zeller's Outlook: This is a bit of a transition year for the boys as we lost an impactful senior class. However, they have several guys that are able and ready to step into leadership roles to fill those vacancies. They are bringing in a large freshmen class as well. Future looks bright.
1. Chicago (Payton)
Head Coach/Coaches: Dan Dziubski & Adam Palumbo + Asst Mickhale Lamba
Last Year's Finish: 3rd @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Gabe Cooper (Sr.), Tra’Monti Williams (Jr.), Declan Slavin (Jr.), Preston Ellis (Sr.), Ryan Murray (Sr.), Steven Jiang (So.), Gus Berlinghof (So.), Miguel Mendez (Jr.), John Falciglia (So.)
New Additions: Vaughn Collier (Sr.)
Unexpected Losses: Tristian Zhu (Sr.)
Coach Dziubski's Outlook: After last year’s 3rd place team finish at Detweiller the men know what they’re capable of this year and have big goals. Tristan Zhu would be our #5 man returning, but we lose him to Violin. However, there are 10+ men capable of making the top seven. Many of the underclassmen, and some juniors/seniors who haven’t previously been at the top 7 level, are making a strong push to make the state roster with some incredible work ethic this summer. Last XC season Ryan Murray (2022 4x800 state champion) was hit by a car, he returns to cross country fully healthy in 2024.
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